If you are a gout sufferer, it is vital to reveal the source cause of your spate. If you know what causes gout then this important information may enable you to control and avoid future outbreaks.
So, the million dollar question – what causes gout? Gout is the end result of a build up of uric acid in your bloodstream. When the uric acid reaches a concentration where enough of it cannot be excreted (normally) in urine, it forms microscopic crystals of urate which lodge in the joints afflicted by gout. These needle shaped crystals being alien to the body rapidly spark an immune reaction resulting in the related acute pain and inflammation.
Uric acid is by and large a harmless by-product formed when the body metabolises foodstuffs containing purines. Purines are found both naturally in the body as well as in some foods and in alcohol. Purines are converted to uric acid as they are metabolised.
In a healthy human two thirds of uric acid is produced by the kidneys the rest being produced by your digestive process. Usually the uric acid dissolves in their blood and passes out of the body via the kidneys as urine. Produce too much or excrete too little uric acid and the build up may cause microscopic crystals to form resulting in the gout spate.
There are numerous factors which may further the amount of uric acid in your blood. These fall into one of two different types:
Lifestyle elements such as gender, diet, job, exercise levels and mental condition.
Men are on average up to four times more likely to develop gout than a female. This is partially due to uric acid levels rising during puberty which then stay increased when compared to a female. Diet is also arguably the biggest single factor. As we have already surmised, diet high in purines can ignite gout. High purine foods incorporate offal and organ meat, beef, lamb, seafood and a lot of alcoholic beverages. Red wine in the past has erroneously been labelled with a bad reputation with gout sufferers, beers however are demonstrably worse than most other alcoholic beverages
Medical conditions which are known to increase levels of uric acid, such as high blood pressure and poor kidney function.
Some medicines can spike your uric acid levels, and therefore intensify the risk of developing gout. Treatment such as low-dose aspirin, some diuretics, niacin, chemotherapy have associations to gout, while some antacids such as allapurinol can actually make gout worse before improving things.
There are also a small number of medical conditions which have the similar affect. Some of these are widespread and include conditions such as psoriasis, high blood pressure, diabetes, reduced kidney function, hyperlipidaemia and vascular disease.
It can be tricky to determine the exact causes of gout as the symptoms can be many and varied. One thing however is glaringly apparent; avoiding foods high in purines, keeping well hydrated and moderate amounts of exercising can reduce the chances of a gout attack.
Simon Cliffe has been an web writer for over 10 years writing on a variety of subjects. He has been affected by gout since his mid to late 20′s and has spent time researching if gout can be prevented or be cured. His informative website investigates gout causes and remedies. If you want to discover how to Cure Your Gout be sure to visit the site and learn What Causes Gout
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